First I have been reading search info for the last two hours, not really anything to answer my questions.

I have a '98 TJ 72K miles on it. The T-case is making all kinds of roars and clanks and etc. I figure I need to rebuild it?


What is the normal approx. cost to rebuild a 231?


What all would I have to do to put in a Atlas II?


I have factory brakes also with a automatic, will they hold with a Atlas running 3.8:1?


Would Disk brakes on the rear be a upgrade worth doing?


Trying to decide what to do for the least amount of money.

Thanks

paris_tj

You stock brakes will hold the 4.3 or the 3.8 atlas fine. I would do the disk upgrade in the rear for sure though.

If you have the cash go Atlas. Simple as that. But if you think you dont and keep throwing cash at the 231 you can quickly approach the cost of the atlas.

To me it all depends on how hard you plan on wheeling your rig. I have seen 231's live under a ton of stress and personally think that they are decent T-case. I dont run one myself but they are not that bad.

I believe you can also get a 231 from JB conversions that is new, has the HD chain, and an SYE on it for $750. You could just add a CV driveshaft and correct the rear pinion angle and be done with it.

I am really thinking about getting the Disk brake conversion. Anyone where to cheapest place is it buy it?


paris_tj

750 may be a little light unless they have one they are trying to unload.

cost of SYE 260.00 (do you already have ???)
cost of wide chain, gears 200.00
avg cost of a used case 500.00
misc other parts that may or may not be worn out cost is minor

if you had to totally replace your case the cost is less than 1000$ vs 2500$ for the Atlas II... that is your call

Personally i dont care for rear discs...i will probably get flamed for this but i have had more trouble from my front disc brakes than i have had from thhe rear... the only time i wish i had rear discs is in the mud (which i personally dont care for)

my opinion is like your A$$ Hole i have mine and you have yours

Originally posted by redruM
750 may be a little light unless they have one they are trying to unload.


Nope, $750 is the real deal. NP231 case, with a 231D chain and sprockets, J&B SYE shaft installed, larger synchros. All new parts.

It doesn't look difficult to rebuild a tcase. J&B has the 231D chain and sprocket set for $200, add a master rebuild kit, and you're still in the $300 range.

ChiXJeff

Yeah, the JB units are brand new, $750, and are the HD unit (not the standard J found in Jeeps), with all the goodies (short shaft/SYE kit). You can also get rebuilt from a place in Oakland (I only mention them because I know of them, there may be closer places to you), I think they're called Tranfer Case Express. They'll have the rebuilts for around $600 with core, and new Jeep 231s for $795 (without the short shaft kit, larger synchros, etc.). Of course, none of those offer the near 4:1 ratio of the Atlas.

Disks in the rear will make a difference, but I'd check into swapping the disks off a Grand if you need disks, rather than a kit. Then you've got "local auto store" replacements available, rather than trying to figure out what you've got in the kit. Search various forums for details on what you'll need for a Grand disk swap. Also, with an auto tranny, I don't know if disks will stop the 3.8:1 of an Atlas ;)

Originally posted by Ace!
Also, with an auto tranny, I don't know if disks will stop the 3.8:1 of an Atlas ;)

I have the 4.3:1 with an auto in my TJ... It stops just fine. I have rear caddy discs and I removed the stock prop./comb. valve. The front brakes come right of the MC and the back go through an adjustable prop. valve.

pari_tj

Does your TJ have the D-35 rear axle?

If so, the rear disc brakes from the 96 through 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) are a direct bolt on.

Go to salvage yard and buy everything from the Brake Backing Plate out toward the wheels. Also make sure you get the parking brake cables.

Depending on how many new parts you buy to replace old one such as calipers, discs and emmer brake shoes and springs this can cost you as little as $100.

I have $205 in mine. $40 for used salvage yard parts, the rest for the new items.

Hope this helps you out.

Frank

I have the D44 in mine, thanks for all the good info. As for brakes, I cannot keep my rear Drum brakes working, abuout every two weeks they stop working. I readjust, and go for another 2 weeks. I have replaced about everything already in the brakes including master cylinder.

paris_tj